AIZAWL:
The formation of the government in the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) seems to be moving forward with Mizoram Governor Haribabu Kambhampati giving his approval on May 23, as sought by Chief Executive Member (CEM) designate H Malvina of the Congress on May 16.
Kambhampati has asked Malvina to prove his majority by a confidence motion in the MADC sitting within two weeks.
Joint legislature party of the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) parties, though arch rivals in state politics, agreed to form the next government in the MADC on May 16 after days of political stalemate and uncertainty.
The political uncertainty had risen after a hung mandate in the election to the 25-member MADC held on May 5, for which the results were declared on May 9. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged as the largest single party by securing 12 seats, was short of one to form the government, while the MNF bagged nine seats and the Congress, which had ruled in the autonomous council for years since 1972, managed to win only four seats.
Hectic consultations after consultations and parlays between the three political parties to forge a post-poll alliance to form the next government failed till May 16 night, when the MNF and the Congress finally reached an agreement.
As per the final agreement, the two parties decided that H Malvina would become the chief executive member (CEM) while HC Lalmalsawma Zasai of the MNF would be the deputy CEM.
The other three members of district council (MDCs) belonging to the Congress would be inducted as executive members (EMs), while the MNF MDCs would hold the posts of 5 EMs, deputy chairman, deputy chairman of the planning committee, chairman of the town committee and other posts including the chief whip.
Nominee of the Congress-MNF alliance N Viakhu was elected as the new chairman on Wednesday last. He secured 13 votes while the BJP nominee and former chief executive member (CEM) N Zakhai got 11 votes.
Raj Bhavan sources said that the state governor is likely to fix the date for the election of deputy chairman of the council if or after Malvina wins the vote of confidence.